“I’d like that.”
Silence fell between them.
“Oh, fuck this.” He got out of his chair and down on one knee. “Suzy, I fucked up. I really did, and I wanted this to be an entire romantic evening, where everything was built up, and I showed you how I can be the perfect guy for you, but the truth is, I can’t. I’m me. I can promise you that my entire life will be devoted to you, and to the children we have. I bought this before I even suspected you were pregnant.” He lifted the lid on the black velvet box. “Suzy, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I know. Marrying an asshole isn’t exactly a good pitch, but I know I can make you happy.”
He kept on talking about how he’d love and protect her. Tears filling her eyes, she silenced him with a kiss.
Cupping his face, she pulled away, and smiled. “Yes.”
“Yes?”
“You want to marry me, right? That’s why you got the ring?”
“Hell yeah, I just thought I’d have to convince you of it some more.” He slid the ring on her finger. “Don’t want you changing your mind.”
She stared down at the ring, smiling. “I wouldn’t change my mind. It’s beautiful.”
“Do you forgive me?” He placed his hand on her stomach.
Covering his hand with her on, she smiled. “I was hurt, Pixie. Hurt, scared, excited, nervous. I never thought I’d have kids, and now I am.”
“I’ll look after you. I’ll take care of you. I’ll always take care of you.”
“I love you, Pixie. I really do, and I know that even if we do encounter some bumps in the road, that love is never going to change.” She cupped his cheek. “I forgive you, Pixie.”
He leaned in close, and kissed her. “Let’s eat so I can take you home, and we can have a good night’s sleep.”
“Just to sleep?”
“Fuck yeah, I haven’t slept any in the last three weeks. I’m fucking exhausted.”
Suzy giggled, holding Pixie close. Yes, he was an asshole but he was her asshole, and she wouldn’t have him any other way. The next time though, she was going to be the one protecting the condoms.
****
Teri watched as the club sat around several tables, checking things off for the wedding. As part of his act of contrition Pixie was organizing the wedding. He was going to give Suzy the dream wedding, the church, the tuxedos, the flowers, the cake, all of it. Teri loved watching the club, and seeing the way they were all growing. Staring at Leo and Paul, she wanted to help them. They clearly needed someone, and soon.
Checking her watch, she kept on looking outside waiting for her sister. She hadn’t told any of the club that her sister was on her way to see her. Well, she’d told them that she had someone visiting, not necessarily her sister.
Just as Teri looked up, she noticed a cab pulled outside of the diner. She noticed Skylar’s raven hair first, then her pale skin, finally her full figure. There were a lot of years between them, but Teri knew Skylar was very nervous about her curves. Their mother, if someone wanted to even call the woman that, would make Skylar’s life a nightmare. Teri remembered coming home to find Skylar being forced to exercise. It wasn’t just a healthy exercise either. Their mother had her doing it for four hours, and even sent her to bed without food.
Leaving the diner, she stood watching her sister.
“Sky,” she said.
Her sister turned toward her, and smiled. It was the smile that got Teri most of all. Skylar was the nicest person Teri had ever known. She had lost touch with her, and now she had the chance to make everything right.
“Teri,” Sky said.
Rushing toward each other, they embraced, hugging each other hard.
“It has been too long,” Teri said.
“I’m so glad you called. I was worried you wouldn’t want to see me again.”
“Always.” Pulling away, Teri pushed her hair off her face. “Come on, there’s some people I want you to meet.” Taking her hand, she entered the diner, and smiled at the men, who were staring curiously at the two of them. “Everyone, this is my sister, Skylar. Skylar, this is everyone from the Dirty Fuckers MC.”
Skylar held her hand up and waved. “Hello.”